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The 14 Best Turkeys to Order Online for Thanksgiving, According to Customer Reviews

Whether you're feeling a heritage bird or a turducken

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best turkeys for thanksgiving: collage of turkeys on a pink background
Paula Boudes for PureWow

You’re set on making your mom’s famous sausage stuffing recipe, classic green bean casserole, biscuits from scratch and your signature cranberry sauce. But as tasty as the sides will be, the meal would feel incomplete without a turkey. With so many on the market, how can you decide which bird is right for you? Beyond offering the top-rated turkeys you can buy online, I'll answer some of your biggest questions about ordering one—fresh or frozen? brand name or generic?—so you can feel confident heading into the holidays. (Scroll all the way to the bottom for those FAQ's.)

I chose these by pooling editor recommendations and customer reviews and scouring the internet. Whether you’re looking for an impressive heritage bird or the notorious turducken, there’s a main on this list that fits your needs. And if you want to impress from the start, consider adding a few fancy appetizers that will keep guests raving even before the turkey arrives. Ready to get cooking? Here are the best turkeys to order online for Thanksgiving this year, according to customer reviews. (Spoiler: My top choice is the Fossil Farms Whole Bird Turkey, which starts at $73.)

47 Leftover Turkey Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make the Day After Thanksgiving


The Best Turkeys to Order Online at a Glance

1

Best Overall Turkey for Thanksgiving

Fossil Farms Whole Bird Turkey

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2

Best Fresh Turkey for Thanksgiving

Meat N’ Bone Thanksgiving Amish Turkey

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3

Best Precooked Turkey for Thanksgiving

Harry & David Oven-Roasted Turkey

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4

Best Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

D’Artagnan Natural Bone-In Turkey Breast

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5

Best Organic Turkey for Thanksgiving

Willie Bird Fresh Free-Range Organic Turkey

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Best Overall Turkey for Thanksgiving

1. Fossil Farms Whole Bird Turkey

What I Like

  • cage-free
  • raised by third- and fourth-generation farmers
  • all-natural turkeys free of antibiotics, steroids and hormones
  • relatively affordable

What I Don’t Like

  • nothing

Fossil Farms

Nearly every customer review is five stars, and it’s no surprise why. These high-quality Nicholas breed birds from sustainable Fossil Farms are raised in a free-roaming, cage-free environment in Pennsylvania by third- and fourth-generation farmers. They’re fed a vegetarian diet and are all-natural, meaning they’re free of antibiotics, steroids and hormones. What really seals the deal is the price, which comes out to about $9 a pound. It’s more expensive than your average Butterball, but the quality beats it out by a mile. Order for delivery the week of November 18 to get it in time for the holiday (or order the week of and opt for next-day air shipping).

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 8-10 pounds, 10-12 pounds, 12-14 pounds, 14-16 pounds, 16-18 pounds, 18-20 pounds, 20-22 pounds, 22-24 pounds, 24-26 pounds, 26-28 pounds
  • Shipping: free on orders $175+
  • Promising Review: “As if the ease of ordering, exceptional customer service and the flawless, worry-free pickup weren’t enough, the turkey was tender and delicious. Can’t wait to try some of their other vast array of products.”

Best Fresh Turkey for Thanksgiving

2. Meat N’ Bone Thanksgiving Amish Turkey

What I Like

  • hatched, grown and processed by Amish family farmers
  • hard-chilled instead of frozen
  • ethically raised
  • hormone- and steroid-free

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Meat N’ Bone

This pick is currently sold out, but it'll hopefully be available for ordering by November. For about $7.50 a pound, you can savor an all-natural bird that’s minimally processed and free of additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients. The turkeys are raised sans-hormones and steroids on a vegetable- and protein-rich diet that’s free of animal byproducts. They live in a roomy, ventilated barn with free access to feed and water. Meat N’ Bone’s turkeys are de-feathered, cleaned and come with giblets. They’re hard-chilled instead of frozen, so you can decide whether to pop them in the fridge or freezer upon arrival.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 8-12 pounds, 12-16 pounds, 16-20 pounds, 20-24 pounds, 24-28 pounds, 28-32 pounds
  • Shipping: from $10
  • Promising Review: “This is definitely a quality bird. You can taste the difference from the typical supermarket turkey. Make sure to take out the neck and giblets from the cavity before cooking and use them to make stock for stuffing and gravy.”

Best Precooked Turkey for Thanksgiving

3. Harry & David Oven-Roasted Turkey

What I Like

  • precooked
  • ready to heat and serve

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Harry & David

Behold: the brand’s most popular Thanksgiving bird. This ten-pounder arrives ready to heat and serve. It’s pre-seasoned and roasted, so you won’t have to fuss over a brine or dry rub. As if this Harry & David turkey wasn’t easy enough to prepare, your purchase also includes two-day shipping, so you can order close to the holiday and still get your main course just in time. Note that two reviewers felt the bird was too salty, but that’s the risk you take by getting a pre-seasoned bird. Consider if it’s worth it to you for the sake of convenience before purchasing.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 10 pounds
  • Shipping: express two-day shipping included on this item
  • Promising Review: “This bird was delicious. Took a little longer to cook than directions indicated. But all worked out beautifully and had enough left to make pot pies.”

Best Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

4. D’Artagnan Natural Bone-In Turkey Breast

What I Like

  • naturally raised
  • broad-breasted hybrid breed
  • antibiotics- and growth hormone-free
  • includes ribs, wing meat and back and neck skin
  • affordable

What I Don’t Like

  • breast less aesthetically impressive than a whole bird

D'Artagnan

Serving a smaller crowd? Save yourself the fuss of roasting a whole bird and opt for a breast instead. This gorgeous turkey breast roast is ready to cook the moment it defrosts. Turkey breast roasts (and bone-in turkey breasts) are best for families that prefer white meat. The turkeys are fed a vegetarian, gluten-free diet that's enhanced with vitamins and minerals, so the meat will turn out deliciously tender and juicy, despite being a notoriously dry cut.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 4-6 pounds, 6-8 pounds, 8-10 pounds, 10-12 pounds
  • Shipping: varies by weight, destination and delivery date
  • Promising Review: "Excellent quality. The best turkey I have ever had!"

Best Organic Turkey for Thanksgiving

5. Willie Bird Fresh Free-Range Organic Turkey

What I Like

  • certified organic
  • free-range turkey raised in California
  • free of artificial pesticides and chemicals
  • fresh not frozen

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Williams Sonoma

Searching for a stellar organic bird? Look no further than Williams Sonoma. The Willie Birds are raised in California on a diet of natural grains that's free of antibiotics and hormones. They're famous for their flavor and juiciness. The turkey will arrive fresh on ice packs in a vacuum-sealed bag. Preorder yours ASAP, since quantities are limited for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 10-12 pounds, 12-14 pounds, 14-16 pounds, 16-18 pounds, 18-20 pounds, 20-22 pounds, 22-24 pounds
  • Shipping: varies by order total and destination
  • Promising Review: “The breast meat was tender and moist with a delicate sweet flavor. In contrast, the dark meat was rich and flavorful, just as it should be.” (from The Kitchn)

Best Heritage Turkey for Thanksgiving

6. Elmwood Stock Farm Organic Heritage Turkey

What I Like

  • more equal ratio of dark to light meat
  • heritage bird
  • free range
  • free of synthetic inputs, flavor additives and stimulants
  • organic

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Elmwood Stock Farm

Heritage turkeys are becoming more and more popular every year. If you’ve never tried one, it’s important to know that they’re significantly different than the factory-farmed supermarket turkeys you may have tried in the past. Heritage turkeys have longer, thinner bodies compared to broad-breasted ones, creating a more balanced ratio of light and dark meat. Its flavor is rich, velvety and, at times, gamy. Elmwood Stock’s heritage birds are free-range and free of additives, stimulants and synthetic inputs. They’re currently available for preorder in four different sizes and arrive frozen. Pre-order now to be delivered the week before Thanksgiving.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 6-6.9 pounds, 7-8.9 pounds, 9-10.9 pounds, 11-12.9 pounds, 13-14.9 pounds, 15-16.9 pounds, 17-18.9 pounds
  • Shipping: based on weight and destination
  • Promising Review: “This turkey was ‘super tender and juicy,’ with white meat ‘so rich in flavor that it tastes like dark meat…The dark meat was even more tender and flavorful, prompting one taster to ask, ‘Is this dark turkey or pulled pork? So fall-apart tender that it’s almost shredding itself.’” (from Cook’s Illustrated)

Best Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving

7. Burgers’ Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Whole Turkey

What I Like

  • arrives ready to heat and eat
  • flavorful and smoked
  • good for hands-off hosts

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive for a small bird

Burgers’ Smokehouse

This beauty has racked up 200+ reviews, the vast majority of which are five stars. Burgers’ Smokehouse has been making smoked and cured meats for nearly a century, so they know a thing or two about smoking a killer Thanksgiving bird. It will arrive to you fully cooked with heating instructions included, so all you’ll have to do is warm it up and serve. The turkey is smoked with real hickory, but don’t worry about it turning out dry: Burgers’ specializes in retaining the poultry’s natural juices throughout the smoking process. But note that a couple of Amazon reviewers found the turkey to be tough, and another few thought it was too salty.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 6-8 pounds, 8 pounds, 10-12 pounds, 12-14 pounds, 12-16 pounds (two-pack), 16-20 pounds (two-pack), 20-24 pounds (two-pack), 24-28 pounds (two-pack)
  • Shipping: free
  • Promising Review: “Succulent, moist, flavorful turkey. Hands down the BEST smoked turkey I have ever purchased. So hecking delicious! I can really tell the difference between this actual wood-smoked product and all the rest.”

Best Turducken for Thanksgiving

8. Cajun Ed’s Specialty Meats Turducken with Cajun Cornbread Stuffing

What I Like

  • free shipping
  • pre-seasoned
  • unconventional
  • pre-stuffed

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Cajun Ed’s

Ah, the turducken: We've all talked about it, but have you ever actually tasted one? For the uninitiated, a turducken is a triple-threat main for the books—a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey. Cajun Ed’s has become famous for its frankenfowl classics, like turporken and sausage-stuffed turkey, so if you’re going to try this three-way hybrid, they’re a solid purveyor to buy from. Not only will you savor tender roasted poultry in every bite, but a layer of Cajun cornbread stuffing is added between each bird, along with a special seasoning on the outside for maximum flavor. It arrives frozen and cooked, so simply reheat it for a few hours until it’s warmed through.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 10-11 pounds
  • Shipping: free on this item
  • Promising Review: “We have had the turducken before and LOVED it. Looking forward to having it again this year, plus the ham for Christmas.”

Best Value Turkey for Thanksgiving

9. Mary’s Organic Turkey

What I Like

  • free-range
  • no antibiotics, hormones or preservatives
  • organic
  • relatively affordable at most supermarkets

What I Don’t Like

  • nothing

Mary’s

The Pitman family has been raising turkeys in California since the 1950s. You can rest assured that all Mary’s birds are free-range, free of preservatives, hormones and antibiotics and fed a vegetarian diet. The brand offers a whole slew of turkey options for the holidays (brined! smoked! pre-roasted! heritage!), but I like the affordability of their standard organic option. Find a shop that sells Mary’s turkeys near you using their handy online store locator.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 7-20 pounds
  • Shipping: in-store only
  • Promising Review: “Best Turkey EVER! So juicy and delicious! Mary’s is the BEST!”

Best Pre-Cooked Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

10. Omaha Steaks Fully Cooked Turkey Breast

What I Like

  • affordable
  • fully cooked and seasoned
  • arrives ready to thaw, heat and serve

What I Don’t Like

  • breast less aesthetically impressive than whole bird

Omaha Steaks

Sure, cooking a turkey breast instead of a whole bird is already a good shortcut. But opting for a pre-cooked turkey breast is even more low-lift—and I'm here for it. Lightly seasoned and cooked sous vide-style, this turkey breast is guaranteed to turn out extra moist and juicy once thawed and warmed. The leftovers will be prime for Black Friday sandwiches (if there are any, that is).

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 3 pounds
  • Shipping: free on orders $149+
  • Promising Review: "You will never be disappointed with Omaha Steaks. I have used them many times and I am always pleased. If you are traveling for Thanksgiving just give them the address and they will ship it for you. It comes frozen and they know how to package it properly for any place in the world."

Best Spatchcock Turkey for Thanksgiving

11. Willie Bird Natural Fresh Spatchcock Turkey

What I Like

  • arrives spatchcocked for quicker cooking
  • good for roasting and grilling alike

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Williams Sonoma

If you want to reduce your time spent in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, a spatchcocked bird can help. Removing the backbone of the turkey and flattening it not only helps it cook faster, but it also gives you the option of grilling the turkey instead of roasting it in the oven. Don't miss out on this Williams Sonoma exclusive, which guarantees an uber juicy final product your guests will rave about.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 16-18 pounds
  • Shipping: $15
  • Promising Review: “These are expensive turkeys, no way around it; but if you're looking for an organic, free-range turkey, I think these Willie Birds are a good choice.” (from The Kitchn)

Best Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving

12. Uncle Ray’s Cajun Mild Deep-Fried Turkey

What I Like

  • pre-seasoned and cooked
  • unconventional prep
  • arrives ready to thaw, heat and serve

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Uncle Ray's

We've all heard horror stories about people trying to fry a whole turkey at home. Why not leave the heavy lifting to the pros so your holiday doesn't end in flames? Uncle Ray's is famous for its fried birds (seriously—The Daily Beast named it one of the top five Thanksgiving turkeys in the country), and they ship nationwide from Texas via Goldbelly. The birds are hand-picked to ensure they turn out shatteringly crisp on the outside and exquisitely juicy on the inside. Cajun seasonings offer a generous dose of heat and flavor to the otherwise neutral poultry as well.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 10-12 pounds
  • Shipping: free shipping on this item
  • Promising Review: “Making a turkey for a holiday meal just became easier and hassle-free! Thaw, heat for one hour and serve! My guests said that this was the best turkey they ever had!”

Best Turkey Legs for Thanksgiving

13. Alewel’s Country Meats King’s Turkey Legs

What I Like

  • unconventional entree
  • good for small groups
  • arrives seasoned and smoked

What I Don’t Like

  • only includes four legs
  • expensive

Alewel's Country Meats

Make your holiday spread feel decidedly medieval by serving hulking turkey legs instead of a roast bird. Not only are they pre-smoked and seasoned, but they're also fun to eat and totally unexpected. The main downside is that only four legs come in an order, so it's a prime option for smaller parties. If you aren't serving a crowd, consider this main to mix things up.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 1 pound per leg
  • Shipping: free shipping on this item
  • Promising Review: "The feedback was fantastic from our family who received the order. They kept gushing about how it was an edible hug. What a home run. Super happy and will be back for more."

Best Turkey Order for a Crowd

14. Old 300 BBQ Texas Smoked Brisket, Ribs, Pork Loin and Turkey BBQ Feast

What I Like

  • serves 28 to 30 people
  • offers a variety of meats instead of just turkey
  • option to add sides to the order
  • ships frozen to be thawed and heated

What I Don’t Like

  • expensive

Old 300 BBQ

If you're in charge of feeding dozens of relatives for Thanksgiving (or are someone who serves turkey for the sake of tradition, despite not really enjoying it), this smorgasbord is right up your alley. Prepared at a famous Texas barbecue joint, this assortment of Angus brisket, pork ribs, pork loin and smoked turkey breast is sure to please. The order also includes two bottles of house sauce, and you can add creamed corn, green beans or potato salad to the mix if you want even less on your to-do list.

Fast Facts

  • Weight Options: 6-7 pounds brisket, two racks ribs, 3 pounds pork loin, 3 pounds smoked turkey breast
  • Shipping: free on this item
  • Promising Review: "The delivery was right on time and well packaged and both the brisket and turkey were absolutely delicious!"

What Is the Best Type of Turkey to Buy?

Try to buy a fresh bird over a frozen one when you can. You won’t have to wait days for it to defrost in the fridge, and it’ll roast slightly faster than its frosty counterpart. (Since they don’t last as long as frozen turkeys, you’ll want to preorder one and pick it up a day or two before Thanksgiving.) On the other hand, frozen turkeys can still turn out delicious—they’re usually cheaper than fresh ones, plus they offer more flexibility in case your plans change (meaning they won’t rot overnight in your fridge).

If you’re willing to spend a little more, look for a free-range turkey. Free-range birds are required to have continuous outdoor access for more than 51 percent of their lives. Because their lives are less stressful, free-range birds tend to taste better. On the flip side, they can be a bit more muscular than other birds due to all that extra movement, so they can taste a bit gamy compared to what you’re used to. But you can always soften that flavor with milk and/or a brine.

The ultimate splurge is a heritage turkey. Heritage turkeys have been bred to stay just as they were many years ago, a far cry from the jacked-up birds of today that have been bred for consumption. Its flavor will be significantly gamy and intense compared to supermarket birds.

If it’s your first time cooking a holiday feast (or you’re worried about pulling off a brine on your own), opt for a pre-basted or pre-roasted turkey. Many are packaged in a butter and salt solution that makes cooking a moist, tender bird a breeze.

Which Supermarket Turkey Is Best?

In an Epicurious taste-test of six supermarket turkeys, a fresh Bell & Evans turkey was their top choice, due to its tender meat, authentic turkey flavor and attractive outer skin. (The birds are also bred to grow at a slower pace, causing them to have broad, juicy breasts.) Other top brands across various reviews include Organic Prairie and Honeysuckle.

Butterball is among the most popular, likely due to its affordability and accessibility. Other common brands include Honeysuckle, Jennie-O, Boar’s Head, Perdue, Pilgrim’s Pride and Applegate Farms.

Is a Butterball Turkey Better?

Not necessarily. Many reviewers and taste-testers complain about its off texture (no one wants mealy breast meat), excessive saltiness and lack of flavor (or worse, a chemical-like flavor). Butterball turkeys, like many others, are injected with additives for moisture, but some reviewers find the meat almost too watery.

In its defense, some testers say it roasts to a beautiful golden brown and the cost is minimal compared to competitors at about $1.49 per pound. If your only option is a Butterball turkey, it’ll get the job done—but there are plenty of better quality birds on the market.

When Should I Order a Thanksgiving Turkey?

If you're buying a fresh turkey, you'll want to get it no more than a couple days before Thanksgiving. If you're buying frozen, you can get it several weeks in advance.

What Size Turkey Should I Order for Thanksgiving?

According to the USDA, a solid rule of thumb is to reserve about one pound of meat per guest if you're buying a whole bird and about 8 ounces per guest if you're buying boneless.

How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Frozen Turkey?

It depends on the size of the bird. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing in the fridge for every four to five pounds of poultry. (So, a four- to 12- pound turkey will need one to three days to come to temp, while a 20- to 24-pound turkey will need five to six days.)

If you forget to pop the bird in the fridge in time, don't worry: You can likely thaw it in cold water in a few hours. Worst case scenario, you can also cook your turkey from frozen; it'll just take about 50 percent longer to cook through.


taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Contributes to PureWow's food vertical
  • Spearheads PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College

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